scholarly journals Racial Disparities in Modifiable Risk Factors and Statin Usage in Black Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Author(s):  
Anandita Agarwala ◽  
Nathan Bekele ◽  
Elena Deych ◽  
Michael W. Rich ◽  
Aliza Hussain ◽  
...  

Background Black men and women are at higher risk for, and suffer greater morbidity and mortality from, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared with adults of European Ancestry (EA). Black patients with familial hypercholesterolemia are at particularly high risk for ASCVD complications because of lifelong exposure to elevated levels of low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol. Methods and Results This retrospective study analyzed ASCVD prevalence and risk factors in 808 adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia from 5 US‐based lipid clinics, and compared findings in Black versus EA patients. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the strongest predictors of ASCVD as a function of race. No significant difference was noted in the prevalence of ASCVD in Black versus EA patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (39% versus 32%, respectively; P =0.15). However, Black versus EA patients had significantly greater prevalence of modifiable risk factors, including body mass index (mean, 32±7 kg/m 2 versus 29±6 kg/m 2 ; P <0.001), hypertension (82% versus 50%; P <0.001), diabetes (39% versus 15%; P <0.001), and current smoking (16% versus 8%; P =0.006). Black versus EA patients also had significantly lower usage of statins (61% versus 73%; P =0.004) and other lipid‐lowering agents. In a fully adjusted multivariate model, race was not independently associated with ASCVD (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.60–1.49; P =0.72). Conclusions The strongest predictors of ASCVD in Black patients with familial hypercholesterolemia were hypertension and cigarette smoking. These data support wider usage of statins and other lipid‐lowering therapies and greater attention to modifiable risk, specifically blood pressure management and smoking cessation.

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick J Raal ◽  
Robert S Rosenson ◽  
Laurens F Reeskamp ◽  
G. Kees Hovingh ◽  
John J Kastelein ◽  
...  

Background: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic lipid disorder characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Evinacumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody against angiopoietin-like protein 3, has demonstrated approximately 50% reductions in LDL-C in HoFH patients when added to maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapies. Objective: In this post-hoc analysis, we assessed the effect of evinacumab on the eligibility for apheresis using predefined US and EU apheresis criteria. Methods: This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-week phase 3 trial (NCT03399786) that randomized patients 2:1 to evinacumab 15 mg/kg intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W; n=43) or placebo (n=22). We assessed the proportion of patients who met per protocol US apheresis criteria (LDL-C ≥300 mg/dL), newer US criteria for FH (LDL-C ≥300 mg/dL or LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL with coronary heart disease or peripheral artery disease) and per protocol EU apheresis criteria (LDL-C >160 mg/dL [primary prevention] or >120 mg/dL [secondary prevention]) at baseline and week 24. Results: Under the newer US criteria (2018), 62.8% (n=27) of evinacumab-treated patients and 54.5% (n=12) placebo-treated patients qualified for apheresis at baseline (Table). Following 24 weeks of treatment, 48.8% of all evinacumab versus 9.1% of all placebo patients no longer qualified for apheresis. Similar results were observed using EU apheresis criteria, where 46.5% of evinacumab-treated patients shifted from qualifying for apheresis at baseline to not qualifying at week 24, compared with 4.5% of placebo-treated patients. The majority of evinacumab (65.1%) and placebo (68.2%) patients did not qualify for per protocol US apheresis at baseline, however a shift of 27.9% and 9.1% was observed, respectively. Conclusions: Evinacumab has the potential to reduce the need for apheresis in patients with HoFH.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kjell-Erik Arnesen ◽  
Ann Vinh Phung ◽  
Karoline Randsborg ◽  
Irene Mork ◽  
Marlene Thorvall ◽  
...  

Background and Aim: Real world evidence on long term treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is important. We studied the effects of intensive lipid lowering medication (LLM) and optimized lifestyle in the study TTTFH–Treat To Target FH.Materials and Methods: Adults with a first known total cholesterol of mean (95% CI) 9.8 mmol/L (9.5, 10.1) were included consecutively in their routine consultation during 2006. Of the patients 86.4% had a pathogenic FH-mutation and the remaining were clinically diagnosed. We included 357 patients and 279 met for follow-up after median 10.0 (min 8.1, max 12.8) years.Results: Mean (95% CI) low density lipoprotein (LDL-C) was reduced from 3.9 (3.8, 4.1) to 3.0 (2.9, 3.2). More men than women used high intensity statin treatment, 85.2 and 60.8%, respectively. Women (n = 129) had higher LDL-C; 3.3 mmol/L (3.0, 3.5), than men; (n = 144) 2.8 mmol/L (2.6, 3.0), p = 0.004. Add-on PCSK9 inhibitors (n = 25) reduced mean LDL-C to 2.0 (1.4, 2.6) mmol/L. At enrollment 57 patients (20.4%) had established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and 46 (80.4%) of them experienced a new event during the study period. Similarly, 222 (79.6%) patients had no detectable ASCVD at enrollment, and 29 of them (13.1%) experienced a first-time event during the study period.Conclusion: A mean LDL-C of 3.0 mmol/L was achievable in FH, treated intensively at a specialized clinic with few users of PCSK9 inhibitors. LDL-C was higher (0.5 mmol/L) in women than in men. In patients with ASCVD at enrollment, most (80.7%) experienced a new ASCVD event in the study period. The FH patients in primary prevention had more moderate CV risk, 13% in ten years.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Brandts ◽  
Kausik K Ray

Inclisiran is a siRNA inhibiting hepatic PCSK9 synthesis. As a first-in-class therapy, inclisiran has been assessed within the ORION trial program for its low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering efficacy and clinical safety. Phase II and III trials have shown that inclisiran lowers LDL-C by about 50% with an infrequent dosing schedule in patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and those at high risk, including patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Ongoing Phase III trials will provide evidence on longer-term safety and effectiveness, and inclisiran’s efficacy in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Furthermore, the ORION-4 trial will assess inclisiran’s impact on cardiovascular outcomes.


Metabolites ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 276
Author(s):  
Stefania Raimondo ◽  
Dragana Nikolic ◽  
Alice Conigliaro ◽  
Gianluca Giavaresi ◽  
Bruna Lo Sasso ◽  
...  

Appropriate monitoring and control of modifiable risk factors, such as the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and other types of dyslipidemia, have an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recently, various nutraceuticals with lipid-lowering effects have gained attention. In addition to the plant-derived bioactive compounds, recent studies suggested that plant cells are able to release small lipoproteic structures named extracellular vesicles (EVs). The interaction between EVs and mammalian cells could lead to beneficial effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The present study aimed to assess the safety of the new patented plant-based product citraVes™, containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) from Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck juice, and to investigate its ability to modulate different CV risk factors in healthy subjects. A cohort of 20 healthy volunteers was recruited in a prospective open-label study. All participants received the supplement in a spray-dried formulation at a stable dose of 1000 mg/day for 3 months. Anthropometric and hematobiochemical parameters were analyzed at the baseline and after the follow-up period of 1 and 3 months. We observed that the supplement has an effect on two key factors of cardiometabolic risk in healthy subjects. A significant change in waist circumference was found in women after 4 (85.4 [79.9, 91.0] cm, p < 0.005) and 12 (85.0 [80.0, 90.0] cm, p < 0.0005) weeks, when compared to the baseline value (87.6 [81.7, 93.6] cm). No difference was found in men (baseline: 100.3 [95.4, 105.2] cm; 4 weeks: 102.0 [95.7, 108.3] cm; 12 weeks: 100.0 [95.3, 104.7] cm). The level of LDL-C was significantly lower at 12 weeks versus 4 weeks (p = 0.0064). Our study evaluated, for the first time, the effects of a natural product containing plant-derived EVs on modifiable risk factors in healthy volunteers. The results support the use of EV extracts to manage cardiometabolic risk factors successfully.


Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Alexey Meshkov ◽  
Alexandra Ershova ◽  
Anna Kiseleva ◽  
Evgenia Zotova ◽  
Evgeniia Sotnikova ◽  
...  

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal codominant disorder, characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels causing premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. About 2900 variants of LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes potentially associated with FH have been described earlier. Nevertheless, the genetics of FH in a Russian population is poorly understood. The aim of this study is to present data on the spectrum of LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 gene variants in a cohort of 595 index Russian patients with FH, as well as an additional systematic analysis of the literature for the period of 1995–2020 on LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 gene variants described in Russian patients with FH. We used targeted and whole genome sequencing to search for variants. Accordingly, when combining our novel data and the data of a systematic literature review, we described 224 variants: 187 variants in LDLR, 14 variants in APOB, and 23 variants in PCSK9. A significant proportion of variants, 81 of 224 (36.1%), were not described earlier in FH patients in other populations and may be specific for Russia. Thus, this study significantly supplements knowledge about the spectrum of variants causing FH in Russia and may contribute to a wider implementation of genetic diagnostics in FH patients in Russia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Pirillo ◽  
Alberico L. Catapano ◽  
Giuseppe D. Norata

Abstract Purpose of Review Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder characterized by high plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) since birth and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The genetic defect is carried in only one allele in heterozygous FH (HeFH) or in both in the most severe homozygous FH (HoFH). Current guidelines recommend to reduce substantially LDL-C levels in these high-risk patients, with the need to use association therapy combining agents with different mechanisms of action. As most cases of FH are attributable to mutations in the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), statins, even in combination with ezetimibe, are less effective in reducing LDL-C plasma levels in FH patients, who require a more intensive approach with additional lipid-lowering agents. Additional targets playing key roles in regulating LDL-C levels are represented by PCSK9 and ANGPTL3. Recent Findings Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PCSK9, evolocumab and alirocumab, significantly reduce LDL-C levels in HeFH patients. In patients with HoFH, the efficacy of mAbs to PCSK9 is strictly related to the presence of a residual LDLR activity; thus, patients carrying null mutations do not respond to the therapy with these mAbs, whereas some effects can be appreciated in HoFH bearing defective mutations. Conversely, evinacumab, the mAb targeting ANGPTL3, is highly effective in reducing LDL-C levels even in HoFH patients carrying null LDLR mutations, thanks to its LDLR-independent mechanism of action. Summary Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting PCSK9 have shown a robust effect in FH patients presenting a residual LDLR activity, while ANGPTL3 inhibitors appear to be promising even in patients carrying null LDLR mutations.


Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 131 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Parrinello ◽  
Ina Rastegar ◽  
Job G Godino ◽  
Michael D Miedema ◽  
Kunihiro Matsushita ◽  
...  

Background: Racial disparities in risk factor control have been documented in middle-aged adults, but much less is known about older adults with diabetes. Our findings will inform clinical guidelines on appropriate risk factor control in older adults with diabetes. Methods: In 2011-13, 6,538 ARIC participants attended visit 5, and 4,988 provided data on all key covariates used in these analyses. Of these, 31% had diagnosed diabetes (N=1,561, 72% white, mean age=75 years) and were included in this study. Tight control of risk factors was defined according to American Diabetes Association guidelines: hemoglobin A1c <7%; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL; systolic blood pressure (BP) <140 mmHg and diastolic BP <80 mmHg. We evaluated risk factor control overall and by race. We used logistic regression and predictive margins to assess independent associations of race with tight risk factor control. Results: Among older adults with diabetes, 64% used glucose-lowering medication, 70% lipid-lowering medication and 82% BP-lowering medication. Only 5% of participants did not take medication for any of these risk factors. Tight control was observed in 72% for glucose, 64% for lipids and 70% for BP. Only 34% had tight control of all three. A higher proportion of whites than blacks consistently achieved tight control ( Figure ). In multivariable analyses of persons with diabetes who were treated for risk factors, racial disparities in tight control of lipids and BP remained significant: adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% CIs (white vs black) were 1.04 (0.91, 1.17) for glucose, 1.21 (1.08-1.34) for lipids, 1.15 (1.03-1.26) for BP, and 1.33 (0.95, 1.70) for tight control of all three risk factors. Conclusions: Our results highlight racial disparities in risk factor control in older adults with diabetes that were not explained by demographic or clinical characteristics. Further studies are needed to elucidate the determinants of disparities in risk factor control and strategies to address these.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chan Joo Lee ◽  
Jaewon Oh ◽  
Jung Sun Kim ◽  
Sang-Hak Lee

Background: In many cases of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), there remains difficulty in achievement of treatment target. However, despite growing attention to FH, data on the treatment and its results in these patients are very limited. Methods: From nine sites in Korea, 122 consecutive unrelated men and women who were diagnosed with heterozygous FH by Simon Broome criteria were initially enrolled. Atorvastatin 20 mg or similar-potency drugs were prescribed and the dose was escalated every 2 months (for the first 6 months) or 6 months (thereafter) if needed. Forty one subjects were dropped and 81 subjects who underwent regular laboratory check-up were finally analyzed. The primary evaluation points were achievement rates of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) <70 mg/dL, LDL-C<100 mg/dL, and LDL-C down to 50% of baseline levels at 12 month. The secondary evaluation point was % change of LDL-C at 12 month. Results: Patients’ mean age was 53 years and 59.3% were males. 21.0% were definite type FH and 28.4% had coronary artery disease (CAD). The mean total cholesterol and LDL-C were 319 mg/dL and 232 mg/dL, respectively. At 12 month, 7.4% received atorvastatin 10mg or similar, 21.0% received atorvastatin 20mg or similar, 16.0% received atorvastatin 40mg or similar, 4.9% received atorvastatin 80mg or similar, and 49.4% received atorvastatin (mean 57 mg) or similar plus ezetimibe 10mg. The mean follow-up total cholesterol and LDL-C were 201 mg/dL and 124 mg/dL, respectively. The mean % change of LDL-C was -45.6%. The achievement rates of LDL-C<70 mg/dL, <100 mg/dL, and LDL-C down to 50% of baseline were 1%, 21%, and 44%, respectively. The achievement rates were not significantly different between the patients without or with CAD (1.8%, 26.3%, 47.4% vs. 0%, 8.7%, 34.8%, respectively, all p values > 0.05). Conclusions: The achievement rate of treatment target in FH was low in Korea even after maximum tolerable dose of lipid lowering drugs. Improvement of awareness on this issue and more aggressive treatment are needed for this population.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 141 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroaki Ikezaki ◽  
Elise Lim ◽  
Ching-Ti Liu ◽  
L Adrienne Cupples ◽  
Bela F Asztalos ◽  
...  

Introduction: Elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small-dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C), LDL-triglyceride (LDL-TG), triglycerides (TG), remnant-lipoprotein cholesterol (RLP-C), triglyceride-rich lipoprotein-C (TRL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels have been associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. However, these parameters have not been included in risk factors for ASCVD in the pooled cohort equation (PCE). Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that these atherogenic lipoprotein parameters add significant information for ASCVD risk prediction in the Framingham Offspring Study. Methods: We evaluated 3,147 subjects without ASCVD at baseline (mean age 58 years) from participants of Framingham Offspring Study cycle 6, 677 (21.5%) of whom developed inclusive ASCVD over 16 years. Biomarkers of risk were assessed in frozen plasma samples. Total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, direct LDL-C, sdLDL-C, LDL-TG, Lp(a), RLP-C, and TRL-C were measured by standardized automated analysis. Calculated LDL-C, large buoyant low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (lbLDL-C), VLDL-C, and non-HDL-C values were calculated. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional regression analysis and net reclassification improvement (NRI) analysis to identify parameters significantly associated with the incidence of ASCVD after controlling for standard ASCVD risk factor and applying the PCE model. Results: All specialized lipoprotein parameters were significant ASCVD risk factors on univariate analysis, but only direct LDL-C, sdLDL-C, and Lp(a) were significant on multivariate analysis with standard risk factors in the model. Together these parameters significantly improved the model c statistic (0.716 vs 0.732, P < 0.05) and net risk reclassification (mean NRI 0.104, P < 0.01) for ASCVD risk. Using the ASCVD risk pooled cohort equation, sdLDL-C, TG, LDL-TG, LDL-C, RLP-C, and TRL-C individually added significant information, but no other parameter added significant information with sdLDL-C (hazard ratio 1.30 for 75th vs 25th percentile, P < 0.0001) in the model. Conclusions: In multivariate analysis, sdLDL-C, direct LDL-C, and Lp(a) contributed significantly to ASCVD risk, but only sdLDL-C added significant risk information to the PCE model, indicating that sdLDL-C may be the most atherogenic lipoprotein particle.


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